Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic G1

Here, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic G1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and G1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and G1 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SP-100 was unveiled 5 years after the G1 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic G1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the SP-100 grades versus the G1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1. The full galleries are available at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Panasonic G1 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus SP-100 has got outer dimensions of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") having a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Panasonic G1 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 1.8") with a weight of 360 grams (0.79 lbs).

Examine the Olympus SP-100 vs Panasonic G1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SP-100 against the G1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SP-100 and G1 is 63 and 82 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-100 and G1.

As you can see, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SP-100 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF harder and the Olympus SP-100 will offer more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The newer SP-100 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.